Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 1027 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia's Invests Grant Program to expand access for high school students. It removes the requirement for a high school diploma or equivalent for students enrolled in 11th or 12th grade who are participating in dual-enrollment programs at approved institutions. To qualify, these students must meet residency and citizenship requirements, be admitted to an approved institution, demonstrate financial need and academic promise (without needing a diploma), and be on track to graduate high school. The bill specifically amends sections of the West Virginia Code related to higher education grant eligibility and dual-enrollment access.

Maddy summarySB 1028 requires health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers in West Virginia to include any cost-sharing payments made by patients or other sources (like drug assistance programs) when calculating a patient's out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. It sets an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses for all health plans sold in the state and prohibits insurers from altering coverage terms based on whether a patient has access to drug discounts. This bill directly affects health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party administrators operating in West Virginia. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Maddy summarySB 932 amends West Virginia's food safety law to explicitly classify cultivated meat products as "adulterated foods." It directly affects producers and sellers of cultivated meat in the state by subjecting these products to existing prohibitions against adulterated food under §16-7-2. The bill adds a specific definition to the law, stating that cultivated meat - defined as food made by growing animal cells in a lab to mimic meat - is considered adulterated. This change means such products would be prohibited from being sold as regular food under current state law, without creating new regulatory requirements. The bill focuses solely on the legal classification, not on the safety or market impact of cultivated meat.

Maddy summarySB 993 establishes licensing requirements for midwives in West Virginia. It requires applicants to hold a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential from NARM, complete MEAC-accredited education or NARM portfolio evaluation, and meet other criteria like age and high school diploma. The license is valid for two years and requires renewal with current NARM certification, plus proof of participation in perinatal outcome data submission. This directly affects midwives seeking to practice in West Virginia by setting standardized licensing and renewal processes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 32) expresses the West Virginia Senate's commitment to protecting coal-dependent communities and energy infrastructure. It specifically requires coal-fired power plants to operate at a minimum 69% annual capacity factor to maintain grid reliability and protect over 10,000 coal jobs, while opposing actions that threaten mine closures or job losses. The resolution also pledges to prioritize local coal jobs over "out-of-state contracting" and prevent ratepayers from bearing higher costs due to reduced coal generation. As a non-binding resolution (adopted February 18, 2026), it does not create new law but formally commits the Senate to supporting coal through policy advocacy and oversight.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia Senate Bill 992 requires the state Department of Health to conduct a study comparing health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated pediatric populations using existing state data. The study will analyze datasets like Medicaid claims, immunization records, and hospital discharge data to examine associations with conditions such as asthma, autoimmune disorders, and neurodevelopmental diagnoses. Researchers must account for confounding factors like socioeconomic status and geographic location using established epidemiologic methods. The final report, to be submitted to the legislature, aims to inform public health policy through transparent data analysis without altering vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 43) designates February 17, 2026, as "Local Food and Farm Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It commemorates West Virginia farmers and food entrepreneurs for their contributions to the state's agriculture, economy, and community health. The resolution specifically acknowledges their role in producing local food, supporting programs like SNAP Stretch, and fostering initiatives such as "Grow This!" and "Food is Medicine." It has no policy or funding impact - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition of the agricultural community's value.

Maddy summarySB 960 adjusts liquor license rules for private clubs operating as bakeries, specifically allowing them to sell baked goods infused with alcohol (like wedding cakes with alcohol in icing or infused packets). It directly affects private bakeries with at least 50 members that meet strict kitchen equipment requirements, including ovens, refrigeration, and food preparation facilities. The bill permits alcohol infusion in baked goods but prohibits direct sales of liquor, wine, or beer - only the infused baked goods may be sold for on- or off-premises consumption. Key provisions include mandatory member minimums, specific kitchen standards, and restrictions on alcohol processing methods.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 38), not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 16, 2026, as "Rural Health Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. The resolution acknowledges rural health care providers - including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services - and recognizes their efforts in addressing health care challenges in rural West Virginia. It has no legal effect beyond this symbolic recognition and does not impose new requirements or change existing laws.

Maddy summarySR 42 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Walter Dolph Helmick, a former West Virginia state legislator and public servant. It memorializes his life and career, noting his service as a coal miner, teacher, businessman, Mason, West Virginia House of Delegates member, Senate member (1989-2013), and Commissioner of Agriculture. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to West Virginia and extends condolences to his family following his death in 2025. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.